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Greg,
An excellent way to pick out a boat is to attend on of Riverside Kayak Connection's Demo Days -- see http://www.riversidekayak.com/About/Demo%20Days/index.htm. They have a bunch of boats to try out in the water so you can judge not only whether you can fit into it, but also see how stable it feels, how it handles, how comfortable the seat is (important!). I don't have personal experience with Riverside but a number of club members have purchased there and been happy. If you decide to go, please mention that you were referred by the East Coast Paddlers - it helps to maintain a relationship.
I found that I learn more and get out more because of being in a club, and my wife thinks I'm safer because I'm going with experienced paddlers (true). We do everything from short, casual trips, like tonight on Sanford Lake, to day long trips on Michigan rivers and lakes, to 1-2 week long adventures as far away as Alaska, Florida, Arkansas, Belize, the Galapagos Islands. A really cool trip coming up in early August is in Quebec province, paddling among the whales that come up the St. Lawrence River - guaranteed to see several species of whales all day long. We could hear their blowing from our tent when we woke up in the morning. It's all pretty amazing.
Theron
On Sun, Jul 5, 2009 at 1:28 PM, outdoor582 <need.a.challenge999@...> wrote:
Thanks for the tips everyone. Think I want to try them all.
Theron, I might be interested in joining that kayak club at some point. Test drove a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 120 yesterday. A bit small for me but I think I like the Wilderness systems in general. Still evaluating models.
Regards,
Greg> Paddlers <http://www.eastcoastpaddlers.com>) meeting the same night, but I
--- In midlandhikingclub@yahoogroups.com, "Theron B." <theronb49@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Greg,
>
> I haven't been active with the club due to my kayak club (East Coast> On Fri, Jul 3, 2009 at 5:53 PM, outdoor582 <need.a.challenge999@...>wrote:
> do have some suggestions for nice day hikes within a reasonable drive:
>
> Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area - Near Lumberman's Monument, not far from
> Tawas, has a number of small lakes and the trail makes several loops so it
> can be used for day hikes or an overnight. I've seen beavers there and heard
> coyotes and loons in the evening. Check this web site for a decent trail
> map:
> http://www.michigantrails.us/alcona-county-michigan/hoist-lakes-foot-travel-area.html
> .
>
> Nordhouse Dunes - A National Winlderness area just north of Ludington State
> Park, with miles of beautiful sandy beach on Lake Michigan. Go to
> http://www.getoffthecouch.info/mason/nordunes.htm for a trail map.
>
> High Banks Trail - You can pick this up at Lumberman's Monument; it's a
> linear trail, so it is an out-and-back hike, not a loop, but it has great
> views of the Au Sable River valley.
>
> Jordan River Pathway - An 18-mile loop near East Jordan, with possible
> shorter loops, this can be done as day hikes or an overnighter. A buddy and
> I did this last fall, parked at Deadman's Hill and camped overnight at the
> hike-in campground -- real luxury for backpackers, having picnic tables,
> fire rings, outhouses but no cars or RVs. See
> http://www.100megsfree3.com/wordsmith/backpacking/jordanriverpathway.htmlfor
> description and map.
>
> There are plenty of others, too; you can use Google to find more. Send a
> note if you get a hankering for a day hike; I'm up for it and my buddy may
> be, too, but it depends on the weekend. Fall is my favorite time for hikes
> -- mild temperatures, no crowds, fewer bugs.
>
> Theron Brayman
> Midland
>
>
>
>
> >
> >
> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > I'm new to the club and still relatively new to Midland. Looking for both
> > suggestions on day hikes and people to go with. Suggestions and invitations
> > would be greatly appreciated!
> >
> > Greg
> >
> >
> >
>
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